Bicycle rim injection molding

Abstract

In a first aspect, a method for forming an injected bicycle rim is provided. The method comprises providing a bicycle rim mold cavity comprising an annular configuration, providing a feeding chamber for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity with fiber-reinforced plastic material; injecting fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber; supplying the fiber-reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber; obtaining an intermediate injected product from the fiber-reinforced plastic material, and removing the feeding chamber product portion of the intermediate injected product to obtain the bicycle rim. In a further aspect a method for forming a rim assembly is provided. In a yet further aspect, a plastic injected molded bicycle rim is provided. In a still further aspect, a rim assembly is provided.

Description

[0001] Bicycle rim injection molding

[0002] The present application claims the benefit and priority of EP24382884.5, filed on August 6, 2024.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to methods for forming injected bicycle rims and rim assemblies. The disclosure further relates to bicycle rims and rim assemblies.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Materials with relatively good mechanical properties and significantly lightweight are usually sought in the manufacture of bicycles and their components. An example of such materials are composite materials, for instance composite materials including carbon fibers. The reinforcing carbon fibers provide the bicycle rims with improved mechanical properties which may be particularly attractive in racing.

[0006] The techniques for manufacturing bicycle components of composite materials may involve stacking carbon fiber layers along with resins. However, this is a relatively complex technique that involves highly labour-intensive and time-consuming tasks.

[0007] Furthermore, the production processes are not very reproducible, so the configuration of the finished components may vary from one another in an undesirable way.

[0008] The present disclosure provides examples of methods, rims, and systems that at least partially resolve some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] In a first aspect, a method for forming an injected bicycle rim is disclosed. The method comprises providing a bicycle rim mold cavity comprising an annular configuration, wherein the bicycle rim mold cavity comprises a concave cross-section spanning along the annularly configurated bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the concave cross-section extends between an inlet portion and an end portion. The method further comprises providing a feeding chamber for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity with fiber-reinforced plastic material, wherein the feeding chamber comprises a feeding outlet in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the feeding outlet spans a feeding outlet length; wherein the inlet portion length corresponds to the feeding outlet length. Furthermore, the method comprises injecting fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber and supplying the fiber- re info reed plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber, in such a way that the plastic material flows from the inlet portion to the end portion. The method also comprises obtaining an intermediate injected product from the fiber- re info reed plastic material, wherein the intermediate injected product comprises a mold cavity product portion formed at the bicycle rim mold cavity and a feeding chamber product portion formed at the feeding chamber. Moreover, the method comprises removing the feeding chamber product portion of the intermediate injected product to obtain the bicycle rim.

[0011] According to this aspect, the bicycle rim may be obtained by injection molding. This may reduce the complexity of manufacturing process. The manufacturing process can be less labor-dependent. Therefore, the manufacturing process may be automated. Furthermore, the manufacturing cycle time may be reduced at a greater extent.

[0012] Moreover, the products obtained from the manufacturing process according to the present method may be more reproducible. The features of the bicycle rims may be predictable.

[0013] The method according to this aspect that includes injection molding may allow to obtain a bicycle rim with complex shapes and fine details. The complex shapes and fine details may be provided by the shape of the mold cavity that may be filled accurately by the injected material.

[0014] A homogenous and smooth mass of plastic material may be formed in the feeding chamber. A homogenous and smooth mass of fiber- re info reed plastic material may mean that flow fronts may be avoided or at least reduced in the fiber- re info reed plastic material accumulated within the feeding chamber. A single front flow may be formed inside the feeding chamber.

[0015] As the flow fronts may be significantly reduced or avoided, the finished bicycle rim may be void of weld and / or flow lines. This may improve the mechanical features of the obtained bicycle rim and / or its aesthetics.

[0016] According to this aspect, it may be easier to align the reinforcing fibers along a predetermined direction to provide predetermined mechanical properties to the bicycle rim. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for forming a rim assembly. The method comprises forming a bicycle rim by the method according to any of the examples disclosed herein, recovering solidified plastic material wasted during the forming of the bicycle rim, and forming at least a portion of an annular cover using the recovered plastic material, wherein the annular cover is configured to cover an opening of the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim. The method further comprises attaching the annular cover to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

[0017] Advantages derived from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned regarding the previous aspect.

[0018] Furthermore, the material upstream the bicycle rim mold cavity may be used to make the annular cover. This material upstream the mold cavity may be re-used instead of being discarded. Therefore, the method according to this aspect may allow reducing the consumption of materials. The method can be more environmentally friendly.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a plastic injected molded bicycle rim. The plastic injected molded bicycle rim comprises an annular body having a concave cross-section spanning along the annular body. The cross-section comprises: a first side having a first end, a second side having a second end; and a connecting portion connecting the first side to the second side, so that the cross-section extends from the first end to the second end. The annular body comprises a plurality of reinforcing fibers aligned with a direction defined from the first end to the second end of the cross-section.

[0020] Advantages derived from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned regarding the previous aspects.

[0021] Furthermore, the reinforcing fibers may be arranged substantially transverse to the length of the rim circumference. As the fiber-reinforced plastic material may comprise anisotropic mechanical behaviour, specific mechanical features may be provided to the bicycle rim in the transverse direction to the rim circumference.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rim assembly. The rim assembly comprises a bicycle rim according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and an annular cover attached to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

[0023] Advantages derived from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned regarding the previous aspects.

[0024] Throughout the present disclosure, the expressions “plastic material” and “fiber reinforced plastic material” are used interchangeably.

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a plastic material feeding mechanism and a clamping unit;

[0028] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of an injection molding system according to one example;

[0029] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a partial view of the mold assembly of the injection molding system of Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a mold assembly seen from above according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a partial view of the feeding portion according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method for forming an injected bicycle rim according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7A schematically illustrates a cross-section view of an intermediate injected product according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7B schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a mold cavity product portion of the intermediate injected product of Figure 7A according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a mold cavity product portion of the intermediate injected product according to a further example of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9A schematically illustrates a cross-section view of the feeding chamber and the bicycle rim mold cavity and a predetermined portion of a first amount of fiber- reinforced plastic material according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9B schematically illustrates a cross-section view of Figure 9A in which the predetermined portion of fiber-reinforced plastic material is pushed from the feeding chamber to the bicycle rim mold cavity according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a method for forming a rim assembly according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a rim assembly formed according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 12A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle rim according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12B schematically illustrates an enlarged detail of the cross section of the bicycle rim of Figure 12A, and

[0042] Figure 13 schematically illustrates a view of a control unit of a system according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In these figures, the same reference signs have been used to designate matching elements.

[0045] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a plastic material feeding mechanism 110 and a clamping unit 170. The plastic material feeding mechanism 110 of Figure 1 comprises a hopper 112 connected to a barrel 115. The hopper 112 may receive the plastic material 111 in a raw condition, for instance pellets, granules or the like. The hopper 112 may receive recycled and / or virgin plastic material.

[0046] The barrel 115 has an extruder 113 configured to drive the plastic material 111 fed by the hopper 112. In the example of Figure 1 , the extruder 113 comprises a rotating screw. The barrel 115 is associated with a heater 116 to melt the plastic material 111. At one end of the barrel 115 there is arranged a nozzle 114 configured to control the passage of plastic material from the extruder 113 into the mold assembly 150. The operation of the rotating screw may cause the plastic material to move towards the nozzle 114. The plastic material provided by the nozzle 114 to the mold assembly 150 is in a substantially flowable state.

[0047] The temperature of the raw material can be chosen to allow the plastic material to be injected into the mold assembly in a melted state. The temperature can vary depending on the material. For instance, the temperature of the plastic material inside the barrel may be 260 - 320 °C.

[0048] The clamping unit 170 supports the mold assembly 150. The clamping unit 170 has a fixed platen 171 and a moving platen 172. The moving platen 172 can be actuated by an actuator 173 to move the moving platen 172 relative to the fixed platen 171.

[0049] The mold assembly 150 has a fixed portion 158 and a movable portion 159. A bicycle rim mold cavity 151 is defined in between the fixed portion 158 and the movable portion 159. The fixed portion 158 is attached to the fixed platen 171 and the movable portion 159 is attached to the moving platen 172. In some cases, the mold assembly 150 may comprise several fixed portions and movable portions.

[0050] The nozzle 114 of Figure 1 is fluidly connected to a runner 136 of the mold assembly 150, and the runner 136 is fluidly connected to a gate 135. The gate 135 is fluidly connected to the bicycle rim mold cavity 151.

[0051] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of an injection molding system according to one example. The injection molding system 100 of Figure 2 may be configured to inject an injection molded bicycle rim. The injection molding system 100 comprises the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 to feed the mold assembly 150 with plastic material. The mold assembly 150 could be supported by the clamping unit

[0052] The mold assembly 150 comprises a feeding portion 130 and the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. The injection molding system may be used to perform the methods according to the any of the examples disclosed herein. The feeding portion 130 is arranged to provide a fluid communication between the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 and the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. The nozzle 114 is in fluid communication with the feeding portion 130. The fixed portion 158 and the movable portion 159 of the mold assembly 150 of Figure 2 are in a coupled condition to form the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. Depending on the case the feeding portion 130 may be associated with the fixed portion 158 or the movable portion 159. As can be seen in Figure 2, the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 comprises a bicycle rim mold cavity crosssection extending between an inlet portion 152 and an end portion 153.

[0053] The bicycle rim mold cavity 151 may comprise a shape corresponding to the shape of the injection molded bicycle rim to be formed.

[0054] The feeding portion 130 comprises a feeding chamber 131 which is configured for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 with the plastic material 111. The feeding portion 130 of Figure 2 also comprises a channel system 133 for receiving the plastic material 111 from the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 and distributing the plastic material 111 in the feeding chamber 131 .

[0055] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a partial view of the mold assembly of the injection molding system of Figure 2. The feeding chamber 131 comprises a feeding outlet 132 in fluid communication with the inlet portion 152 of the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. The feeding outlet 132 spans a feeding outlet length and the inlet portion length corresponds to the feeding outlet length. A height of the cross-section of the feeding outlet 132 may be substantially the same as the height of the cross-section of the inlet portion 152.

[0056] The feeding chamber 131 may comprise a feeding inlet 134 to receive the plastic material from the channel system 133.

[0057] As can be seen in the example of Figure 3, the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 may comprise a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped cross-section may comprise a C-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped cross-section may be defined, at least, between an inner face 147 and an outer face 148. In some examples, the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 may comprise a substantially V-shaped cross-section.

[0058] As can be seen in the example of Figure 3, the feeding outlet 132 extends to the inlet portion 152. This way, the plastic material can flow from the feeding outlet 132 towards the inlet portion 152.

[0059] The bicycle rim mold cavity 151 may comprise a first flank 155 and a second flank 156 and a link portion 157 to connect the first flank 155 and the second flank 156. In the example of Figure 4, the first flank 155 comprises the inlet portion 152 and the second flank 156 comprises the end portion 153.

[0060] The first flank 155 may comprise a narrowing at the inlet portion 152 and the second flank 156 may comprise a narrowing at the end portion 153. The narrowing in the first flank 155 and the second flank 156 may be arranged in such a way that respective recesses are formed in the inner face 147, i.e. in the U-shaped or V-shaped crosssection.

[0061] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the mold assembly 150 seen from above according to one example. In Figure 4, the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 comprises a generally annular configuration. In this case, the length of the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 comprises the length of circumference. The length of circumference is related to the generally annular configured bicycle rim mold cavity 151.

[0062] The bicycle rim mold cavity cross-section spans a bicycle rim mold cavity length 154, see Figure 4. Thus, an inlet portion length and an end portion length can be also defined. The bicycle rim mold cavity length 154 has been illustrated in Figure 4 as an arrow.

[0063] The feeding chamber 131 of Figure 4 is arranged between the channel system 133 and the inlet portion 152 in such a way that the plastic material may flow from the channel system 133 to the feeding chamber 131 and then to the inlet portion 152. The feeding chamber 131 is arranged around the bicycle rim mold cavity 151.

[0064] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a partial view of the feeding portion according to one example. The channel system 133 of Figure 5 comprises a sprue 138 feeding a plurality of runners 136 and sub-runners 137 to conduct the plastic material to the plurality of gates 135. In Figure 5, the feeding chamber 131 comprises a main region 145 and a plurality of diffusers 139. The diffusers 139 are provided between the gates 135 and the main region 145. The diffusers 139 comprises a generally triangular or fan shape. The diffusers 139 are arranged so that the gates are connected to the narrow portion of the diffuser and the wide portion of the diffuser is connected to the main region 145.

[0065] The feeding chamber 131 may comprise the main region 145 even in examples without diffusers 139.

[0066] In the example of Figure 5, the plurality of diffusers is arranged along the length of the annular feeding chamber 131. The diffusers are positioned adjacent to each other, in such a way that the wide portions of the diffuser are next to each other. Thus, a sawtooth configuration can be defined by the diffusers.

[0067] In some non-illustrated examples, the diffusers can be arranged along the length of the annular feeding chamber 131 leaving a distance between two adjacent diffusers. In these examples, there is a distance between the wide portions of the diffusers.

[0068] The length and the height of the main region 145 may correspond to the length and the height of the inlet portion 152. The width 146 of the main region 145 may be defined between the wide portion of the diffuser and the feeding outlet 132. In the cases wherein there is no diffuser, the width 146 of the main region 145 may be defined between the gate 135 and the feeding outlet 132.

[0069] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method 200 for forming an injected bicycle rim according to an example of the present disclosure. The method 200 may be performed using an injection molding system 100 according to any of the examples disclosed herein.

[0070] At block 210, providing a bicycle rim mold cavity 151 comprising an annular configuration, is illustrated. The bicycle rim mold cavity comprises a concave crosssection spanning along the annularly configurated bicycle rim mold cavity. The concave cross-section extends between the inlet portion 152 and the end portion 153.

[0071] The method 200 further comprises providing a feeding chamber 131 for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 with fiber-reinforced plastic material, at block 220. The feeding chamber 131 comprises a feeding outlet 132 in fluid communication with the inlet portion 152 of the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. The feeding outlet 132 spans a feeding outlet length. The inlet portion 152 length corresponds to the feeding outlet length.

[0072] At block 230, injecting fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber 131 is illustrated. The injection may be driven by the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 or any other example of device able to inject plastic material into the mold cavity 150.

[0073] The method 200 further comprises, as represented at block 240, supplying the fiber- reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 from the feeding chamber, in such a way that the plastic material flows from the inlet portion 152 to the end portion 153.

[0074] At block 250, obtaining an intermediate injected product from the fiber-reinforced plastic material, is represented. The intermediate injected product 350 comprises a mold cavity product portion 351 formed at the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 and a feeding chamber product portion 352 formed at the feeding chamber 131. An example of intermediate injected product 350 can be seen in Figure 7A. In the example of Figure 7A, the reinforcing fibers 360 are substantially aligned with a direction defined between a first end 353 and a second end 354 of the mold cavity product portion 351. In some non-illustrated examples, the intermediate injected product 350 could comprise mold cavity product portion 351 , the feeding chamber product portion 352, and a channel system product portion. The channel system product portion may be formed, at least partially, at the channel system.

[0075] The method 200 further comprises removing the feeding chamber product portion 351 of the intermediate injected product to obtain the bicycle rim, as illustrated at block 260. In some examples, removing 260 the feeding chamber product portion 351 may comprise cutting or separating the mold cavity product portion 351 from the feeding chamber product portion 352. Figure 7B illustrates an example of mold cavity product portion 351 separated from the feeding chamber product portion 352. Figure 8 illustrates a further example of the separated mold cavity product portion 351 . The mold cavity product portion 351 may become the bicycle rim 310. The example of Figure 7A comprises a substantially U-shaped cross section while the example of Figure 8 shows a V-shaped cross section. In some examples of the mold assembly 150, a projection 140 may be arranged between the feeding outlet 132 and the inlet portion 152. The projection 140 may help to produce a corresponding slot in the intermediate injected product 350. The slot may help to separate the mold cavity product portion 351 from the feeding chamber product portion 352.

[0076] In examples of the method 200, obtaining 250 an intermediate injected product 350 may comprise hardening the fiber- re info reed plastic material. The fiber-reinforced plastic material may be substantially solidified during a predetermined period, and under a certain temperature. Obtaining the intermediate injected product may further comprise opening the mold assembly 150. This way, the hardened intermediate injected product 350 can be extracted from the mold assembly 150. By opening the mold assembly 150, some parts of the mold assembly may be operated to facilitate the extraction. For instance, a part of the movable portion 159 or the fixed portion 158 to shape the inner opening of the concave cross section of the annular body 315 can be retracted to allow an easy extraction of the intermediate injected product 350.

[0077] According to some examples, injecting 230 fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber may comprise injecting a first amount of fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber 131 at a first pressure. Supplying 240 the fiber- reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 from the feeding chamber may comprise injecting a second amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber at a second pressure when a predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material is built-up in the feeding chamber 131 to force the predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material to flow towards the end portion 153 of the bicycle rim mold cavity 151.

[0078] Figure 9A schematically illustrates a cross-section view of the feeding chamber 131 and the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 and a predetermined portion of a first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material 111 according to one example. Figure 9B schematically illustrates a cross-section view of Figure 9A in which the predetermined portion of fiber- reinforced plastic material 11 is pushed from the feeding chamber 131 to the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 according to one example.

[0079] In the example of Figure 9A, the feeding chamber 131 is substantially full so the predetermined portion of the first amount of fiber- re info reed plastic material may correspond substantially to the inner volume of the feeding chamber 131. However, the predetermined portion of the first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material could correspond to a part of the overall volume of the feeding chamber 131 .

[0080] As the fiber- re info reed plastic material accumulates in the feeding chamber 131 to form the predetermined portion of the first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material, a smooth and homogeneous mass of fiber-reinforced plastic material may flow towards the end portion 153. The predetermined portion of the first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material may be uniformly distributed in the feeding chamber 131. Weld lines may be substantially avoided in the finished plastic bicycle rim.

[0081] The single front flow 117 formed in the feeding chamber 131 may be moved towards the end portion 153 of the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. The single front flow 117 may be moved from the inlet portion 152 to the end portion 153.

[0082] A first pressure may involve that the fiber-reinforced plastic material to feed the feeding chamber may be moved at a corresponding first speed and / or first pressure. A second pressure may involve that the fiber- re info reed plastic material to feed the feeding chamber may be moved at a corresponding second speed and / or second pressure.

[0083] In some examples, the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 may be configured to supply the first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material 111 to the feeding chamber 131 at a first pressure. The fiber- re info reed plastic material may pass through the channel system 133. In some examples, the first amount of plastic material may be supplied or injected at a first pressure to feed or fill the feeding chamber 131. The control unit 160 can manage the operation of the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 to supply or inject the first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber 131 at the first pressure. The control unit 160 may command the extruder 113 to feed the mold assembly 150 at the first pressure. The control unit 160 may also control the nozzle 114.

[0084] The plastic material feeding mechanism 110 may be further configured to supply or inject the second amount of fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber 131 at the second pressure when a predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material is built-up in the feeding chamber 131 to force the predetermined portion of the first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to flow towards the end portion 153 of the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. The control unit 160 can manage the operation of the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 to supply the second amount of plastic material to the feeding chamber 131 at the second pressure. The control unit 160 may command the extruder 113 to feed the mold assembly 150 at the second pressure. The control unit 160 may also control the nozzle 114.

[0085] In the example of the Figure 5, the fiber- re info reed plastic material 111 may be received from the gate 135, either at the first pressure or the second pressure. The plastic material 111 may enter the narrow portion of the diffuser. Then, the fiber-reinforced plastic material can reach the main region 145 through the feeding inlet 134. The smooth and uniform mass of fiber-reinforced plastic material can be formed in the main region 135. In the case of the first amount of plastic material, the predetermined portion of the first amount can be stored, formed, built-up or accumulated in the main region 145. The single flow front can be formed at the first pressure. If the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 is operated to feed the second amount of plastic material at the second pressure, the plastic material can enter the diffusers 139 to push or move the predetermined portion of the plastic material to the end portion 153.

[0086] The predetermined portion of the first amount may be substantially the same as the inner volume of the main region 145. In some examples, the predetermined portion of the first amount may be substantially a part of the inner volume of the main region 145.

[0087] The main region 145 of Figure 5 comprises a generally arc-shaped configuration. The arc may be a portion of the generally annular feeding chamber 131 as can be seen in Figure 3.

[0088] In examples of the method 200, injecting the second amount of plastic material may comprise introducing plastic material into the feeding chamber 131 to push the plastic material out of the feeding chamber 131 towards the end portion 153. The first amount may be lower or smaller than the second amount.

[0089] The second amount of plastic material may be supplied at the second pressure when the feeding chamber 131 is substantially full. In the examples wherein the feeding chamber 131 comprises the main region 135, the second amount may be supplied when the main region 135 is substantially full.

[0090] According to some examples, the first and the second pressure may be chosen depending on the case. In some examples, the first pressure may be within the 85 - 130 MPa range. In some cases, the second pressure may be within the 70-115 MPa range. The second pressure may be greater than the first pressure. A higher second pressure may help to fill the component mold cavity 151 faster. This way, the temperature of the plastic material at the single front may be proper to reach the end portion 153 at suitable flow conditions.

[0091] The pressure may be varied from the first pressure value to the second pressure value in a stepped way or continuously. The method 200 may comprise varying from the first pressure to the second pressure in a stepped way or continuously.

[0092] Flow of plastic material between the first amount and the second amount may be paused during a predetermined period. The method 200 may include pausing injection of plastic material into the mold cavity during a predetermined period between the supply of the first amount and the supply of the second amount.

[0093] The temperature of the plastic material of the single front from the inlet portion 152 to the end portion 153 may be within the range of 260 - 310 °C. This range may allow the plastic material to reach the end portion 153 at suitable flow conditions.

[0094] In some cases, supplying 230 the second amount of plastic material comprises providing the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 with an insert. The insert may allow to create holes to receive spokes of the bicycle wheel.

[0095] In some examples, the insert may comprise a pre-formed member and / or a tape. The pre-formed member and / or the tape can be made up of various materials such as metal, plastics, fibers, or any combination thereof. Incorporating inserts such as the pre-formed member or the tape may significantly increase the structural integrity, stiffness, or wear resistance of the bicycle rim 310. Therefore, the pre-formed member or tape can improve the mechanical properties of the bicycle rim 310.

[0096] The mold assembly 150 can be opened to position the insert within the bicycle rim mold cavity 151. This can be done manually or automatically, for example, by robotic arms. The mold assembly 150 may have features to hold the insert in place, preventing the insert from moving during injection of plastic material into the bicycle rim mold cavity 151.

[0097] Once the insert is positioned within the bicycle rim mold cavity 151 , the mold assembly 150 can be closed. The fiber-reinforced plastic material can be injected to the feeding chamber and supplied to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber according to any of the examples discussed herein. This way, an overmoulding of the insert can be performed.

[0098] The pre-formed member or tape can be integrated into the intermediate injected product and so the bicycle rim 310.

[0099] According to an aspect, a bicycle rim 310 formed by the method 200 according to any of examples disclosed herein, is also disclosed.

[0100] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a method 400 for forming a rim assembly 300 according to one example of the present disclosure.

[0101] At block 410, forming a bicycle rim by the method 200 according to any of the examples disclosed herein, is illustrated.

[0102] The method 400 further comprises recovering solidified plastic material wasted during the forming of the bicycle rim, as shown in block 420. Material wasted during the forming of the bicycle rim may comprise the feeding chamber product portion and / or the channel system product portion.

[0103] The recovered plastic material from the feeding portion 130 and / or the channel system may be treated by mechanical, thermal, and / or chemical process. The recovered plastic material may be processed following hybrids methods such as microwave- assisted chemical methods.

[0104] At block 430, forming at least a portion of an annular cover 320 using the recovered plastic material, is illustrated. The annular cover 320 is configured to cover or shutter the opening 330 of the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

[0105] In examples, forming 430 at least a portion of the annular cover may comprise injecting recovered plastic material.

[0106] The method further comprises attaching 440 the annular cover 320 to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim. In Figure 11 a cross-section view of an example of formed rim assembly 300 is shown. The rim cover 320 may be attached to the bicycle rim 310 for instance, mechanically, chemically, and / or by heating.

[0107] The annular cover may be obtained by injection molding. The recovered plastic material may be treated to be suitable for feeding and injection molding process. In some examples, the method 400 comprises mixing the recovered solidified fiber- reinforced plastic material from the feeding chamber 131 with raw or virgin plastic material.

[0108] According to an aspect, a rim assembly 300 formed by the method 400 according to any of examples disclosed herein, is also disclosed.

[0109] Figure 12A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle rim according to an example of the present disclosure, and Figure 12B schematically illustrates an enlarged detail of the cross section A-A’ of the bicycle rim of Figure 12A. As can be seen in the example of Figure 12A the plastic injected molded bicycle rim 310 comprises an annular body 315 having a concave cross-section spanning along the annular body. Spanning along the annular body may mean that the concave crosssection spans 360 degrees. The concave cross-section may be substantially continuous around the rim circumference. The annular body 315 may be integrally- made within the mold cavity 151.

[0110] The concave cross-section comprises a first side 355 having a first end 353, a second side 356 having a second end 354, and a connecting portion 357 connecting the first side 355 to the second side 356. The cross-section extends from the first end 353 to the second end 354. The annular body 315 comprises a plurality of reinforcing fibers 360 substantially aligned with a direction defined from the first end to the second end of the cross-section.

[0111] In examples, the annular body may have a U-shaped cross-section. This can be seen in the example of Figure 7A. In the example of Figure 7A, the first side 355 and the second side 356 are substantially parallel to each other. The connecting portion 357 may be substantially perpendicular to the first side 355 and the second side 356, as in Figure 7A. However, there may be examples in which the first side 355 and the second side 356 are not substantially parallel to each other.

[0112] Although the illustrated examples comprise annular bodies 315 including substantially symmetrical concave cross-sections, the annular body 315 may comprise a substantially asymmetrical cross-section. This way, the concave cross section of the annular body 315 may have a first side 355 and second side 356 that may differ in shape and / or thickness from each other. The configuration of the asymmetric concave cross-section of the annular may span along the whole circumference of the annular body 315.

[0113] The cross-section may define the opening or inner cavity 330 facing an outside the annular body 315. The outside of the annular body 315 may be intended to face a tire of the bicycle.

[0114] According to some examples, each of the first side 355 and the second side 356 may comprise a corresponding recess 311 , 312 to receive a rim cover 320, between the first side 355 and the second side 356. Both recesses 311 , 312 may be arranged facing each other.

[0115] In the example of Figure 12B, the cross-section of the annular body 315 comprises a first protrusion 371 in the first side and a second protrusion 372 in the second side. Both protrusions extend to the inner cavity 330. The first and second protrusions may provide an enhanced support for receiving the rim cover 320.

[0116] The thickness of the cross section of the annular body 315 may be substantially constant along the direction from the first end to the second end. In the examples that comprise recesses the thickness may vary in the recess and / or the protrusions with respect to the rest of the annular body 315. However, in examples where the concave cross section of the annular body comprises an asymmetric shape, the thickness may vary along the concave cross section.

[0117] The connecting portion 357 may comprise a plurality of holes to receive the wheel spokes. Spokes are not illustrated for the sake of clarity.

[0118] The fiber reinforced plastic material may have improved mechanical features compared to a non-reinforced plastic material. The fibers may provide, at least, improved stiffness and / or strength.

[0119] In examples of the present disclosure, the fiber reinforced plastic material may comprise carbon fibers, glass fibers, nylon fibers, and / or aramid fibers. The length of the fibers may vary depending on the case. In some cases, the fibers may be shorter than 20 mm, more particularly shorter than 10 mm, and even more particularly shorter than 1 mm.

[0120] When the mass of plastic material inside the feeding chamber 131 is pushed out towards the end portion 153, the fibers may be arranged aligned in the direction of the single front flow. The fibers may become uniformly distributed in the single front that moves towards the end portion 153. The average orientation of the fibers may be substantially aligned with a direction between the inlet portion 152 and the end portion 153. The average orientation of the fibers may be substantially transversely arranged with respect to the circumference of the bicycle rim.

[0121] As the fiber reinforced plastic material may comprise anisotropic mechanical behaviour, the fibers arranged substantially aligned in the direction of the single front flow inside the component mold cavity may improve the mechanical behaviour of the finished bicycle rim.

[0122] The fibers may represent less than 40% w / w of the first amount or the second amount. In some examples, the fibers may represent less than 30% w / w.

[0123] The plastic material of the present disclosure may comprise at least one of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, polyetheretherketone, and / or the combination thereof.

[0124] The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic or a thermoset material.

[0125] The plastic material of the present disclosure may comprise a filler. The filler may provide the plastic material with particular features. Some examples of filler may comprise talc, calcium carbonate, carbon black, silica, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, and / or the combination thereof.

[0126] A rim assembly 300 according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a bicycle rim 310 according to any of the examples disclosed herein, and an annular cover 320 attached to the concave cross-section of the annular body 315 of the bicycle rim 310. An example of rim assembly 300 can be seen in Figure 11. The annular cover 320 may be configured to close or shutter the opening 330 of the concave crosssection. The bicycle rim 310 and the annular cover 320 may be made from different plastic materials. Different plastic materials may mean that the annular cover 320 comprises recycled and / or recovered material while the bicycle rim 310 comprises raw materials. Different plastic materials may also mean different orientations of reinforcing fibers. In Figure 11 , the reinforcing fibers 360 have been illustrated following different orientations depending on the component. The fibers 360 of the bicycle rim 310 are substantially aligned with the direction from first end to second end while the fibers 360 in the annular cover 320 seem to be randomly oriented throughout. The annular cover may comprise random or misaligned reinforcing fibers 360.

[0127] In the example of Figures 7, 8, and 11 each of the first side 355 and the second side 356 comprises a recess 311 , 312 to receive the rim cover 320 and both recesses are arranged facing each other. However, in some cases the first side and the second side may be void of recesses.

[0128] The bicycle rim 310 may comprise contacting portions 313, 314 to face the tire. The tire may be mounted to the contacting portions 313, 314. In the example of Figure 11 , the rim cover 320 is placed to face the tire. Then the tire may be mounted to the rim cover 320. In the example of Figure 11 , an inner tube can be mounted around the rim cover 320. The bicycle rim 310 may be a hookless rim configured to attach tubeless tires or even a tube.

[0129] In some cases, the annular cover may comprise two halves. However, the annular cover may be divided into a varying number of parts.

[0130] Figure 13 schematically illustrates a view of a control unit of a system 100 according to one example of the present disclosure. The control unit 160 may comprise a controller 161. Controller 161 may be a processor, a chip, a computational device, or processing resources that execute sequences of machine-readable instructions contained in a memory. Controller 161 performs operations on data. The memory may be a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 162. As can be seen in Figure 8, the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 162 is coupled to the controller 161. Examples of a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium may include a memory device, a floppy disk, a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a USB drive, a computer memory, a read-only memory, or other devices that may store computer code. The machine-readable instructions may comprise a computer program(s) in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source, and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in implementing the methods according to the present disclosure.

[0131] The control unit 160 may be configured to control or manage operation of parts of the injection molding system 100. In examples, the control unit is configured to command devices of the system 100. According to some examples, the control unit 160 may control the operation of the heater, the ram or rotating screw, and / or the nozzle. The control unit 160 may also control filling operation of the mold assembly 150.

[0132] The control unit 160 has been illustrated in Figure 2 attached to the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 for the sake of clarity. However, the control unit 160 may be separated from the plastic material feeding mechanism 110. The control unit 160 may be in data communication with the rest of the injection molding system 100. The control unit 160 may be remotely placed from the rest of the injection molding system 100.

[0133] The control unit 160 may comprise machine-readable instructions that include predetermined operation parameters such as timing, flow rates, pressures, temperatures, plastic material volumes, etc. The control unit 160 may be configured to dynamically adapt the operation parameters to particular operation conditions of the system 100.

[0134] In some examples, the control unit 160 may command the operation of the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 based on the predetermined operation parameters. In these examples, the control unit 160 comprises an open-loop architecture.

[0135] In some examples, the system 100 may comprise a plurality of sensors arranged in different parts of the system 100 to provide the control unit with operation data of those different parts. The sensors may be arranged in the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 and / or the mold assembly 150. For example, the sensors may comprise pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors. The control unit 160 may command the operation of the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 based on the feedback received from the sensors. The control unit 160 may command the plastic material feeding mechanism 110 at a starting point based on the predetermined operation parameters. Then, the control unit 160 may be configured to dynamically adapt the operation parameters over the time depending on the received feedback. In these examples, the control unit 160 comprises a closed-loop architecture.

[0136] For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0137] Clause 1. A method for forming an injected bicycle rim, comprising: providing a bicycle rim mold cavity comprising an annular configuration, wherein the bicycle rim mold cavity comprises a concave cross-section spanning along the annularly configurated bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the concave cross-section extends between an inlet portion and an end portion; providing a feeding chamber for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity with fiber- reinforced plastic material, wherein the feeding chamber comprises a feeding outlet in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the feeding outlet spans a feeding outlet length; wherein the inlet portion length corresponds to the feeding outlet length; injecting fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber; supplying the fiber-reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber, in such a way that the plastic material flows from the inlet portion to the end portion; obtaining an intermediate injected product from the fiber- re info reed plastic material, wherein the intermediate injected product comprises a mold cavity product portion formed at the bicycle rim mold cavity and a feeding chamber product portion formed at the feeding chamber; removing the feeding chamber product portion of the intermediate injected product to obtain the bicycle rim.

[0138] Clause 2. The method according to clause 1 , wherein removing the feeding chamber product portion comprises cutting or separating the mold cavity product portion from the feeding chamber product portion.

[0139] Clause 3. The method according to any of clauses 1 - 2, wherein obtaining an intermediate injected product comprises hardening the fiber-reinforced plastic material.

[0140] Clause 4. The method according to any of clauses 1 - 3, wherein obtaining an intermediate injected product comprises opening a mold assembly. Clause 5. The method according to any of clauses 1 - 4, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic material is uniformly distributed in the feeding chamber.

[0141] Clause 6. The method according to any of clauses 1 - 5, wherein: injecting fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber comprises injecting a first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber at a first pressure; and supplying the fiber-reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber comprises injecting a second amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber at a second pressure when a predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material is built-up in the feeding chamber to force the predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material to flow towards the end portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity.

[0142] Clause 7. The method according to clause 6, wherein injecting a second amount of plastic material comprises introducing plastic material into the feeding chamber to push the plastic material out of the feeding chamber towards the end portion.

[0143] Clause 8. The method according to any of clauses 6 - 7, wherein the second amount of plastic material is supplied at the second pressure when the feeding chamber is full.

[0144] Clause 9. The method according to any of clauses 6 - 8, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0145] Clause 10. The method according to any of clauses 6 - 9, wherein the first amount is lower than the second amount.

[0146] Clause 11 . The method according to any of clauses 6 - 10, wherein injecting a second amount of plastic material comprises providing the bicycle rim mold cavity with an insert.

[0147] Clause 12. The method according to clause 11 , wherein the insert comprises a preformed member and / or a tape.

[0148] Clause 13. A method for forming a rim assembly, comprising: forming a bicycle rim by the method according to any of the clauses 1 - 12; recovering solidified plastic material wasted during the forming of the bicycle rim; forming at least a portion of an annular cover using the recovered plastic material, wherein the annular cover is configured to cover an opening of the concave crosssection of the annular body of the bicycle rim; attaching the annular cover to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

[0149] Clause 14. The method according to clause 13, wherein forming at least a portion of the annular cover comprises injecting recovered plastic material.

[0150] Clause 15. The method according to any of clauses 13 - 14, comprising: mixing the recovered solidified plastic material from the feeding chamber with raw plastic material.

[0151] Clause 16. A bicycle rim formed by the method according to any of clauses 1 - 12.

[0152] Clause 17. A rim assembly formed by the method according to any of clauses 13 - 15.

[0153] Clause 18. A plastic injected molded bicycle rim comprising: an annular body having a concave cross-section spanning along the annular body, wherein the cross-section comprises: a first side having a first end, a second side having a second end; and a connecting portion connecting the first side to the second side, so that the cross-section extends from the first end to the second end; wherein the annular body comprises a plurality of reinforcing fibers aligned with a direction defined from the first end to the second end of the cross-section.

[0154] Clause 19. The bicycle rim according to clause 18, wherein the annular body has a II- shaped cross-section.

[0155] Clause 20. The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 19, wherein the first side and the second side are substantially parallel to each other.

[0156] Clause 21 . The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 20, wherein the connecting portion is substantially perpendicular to the first side and the second side. Clause 22. The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 21 , wherein the crosssection defines an opening facing an outside the annular body.

[0157] Clause 23. The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 22, wherein each of the first side and the second side comprise a recess to receive a rim cover, wherein both recesses are arranged facing each other.

[0158] Clause 24. The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 23, wherein the connecting portion comprises a plurality of holes to receive wheel spokes.

[0159] Clause 25. The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 24, comprising an integrally-made annular body.

[0160] Clause 26. The bicycle rim according to any of clauses 18 - 25, wherein the fiber reinforced plastic material comprises carbon fibers.

[0161] Clause 27. The bicycle rim according to clause 26, comprising an insert.

[0162] Clause 28. The bicycle rim according to clause 27, wherein the insert comprises a preformed member and / or a tape.

[0163] Clause 29. A rim assembly comprising: a bicycle rim according to any of the clauses 17 - 28; an annular cover attached to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

[0164] Clause 30. The rim assembly according to clause 29, wherein the bicycle rim and the annular cover are made from different plastic materials.

[0165] Clause 31 . The rim assembly according to any of clauses 29 - 30, wherein the annular cover comprises random or misaligned reinforcing fibers.

[0166] Clause 32. The rim assembly according to any of clauses 29 - 31 , wherein the annular cover comprises recycled and / or recovered material.

[0167] Clause 33. The rim assembly according to any of clauses 29 - 32, wherein each of the first side and the second side comprise a recess to receive the rim cover, wherein both recesses are arranged facing each other.

[0168] Clause 34. The rim assembly according to any of clauses 29 - 33, wherein the annular cover is configured to close an opening of the concave cross-section.

[0169] Clause 35. An injection molding system for injecting an injection molded bicycle rim comprising: a plastic material feeding mechanism; a mold assembly comprising: a bicycle rim mold cavity comprising an annular configuration, wherein the bicycle rim mold cavity comprises a concave cross-section spanning along the annularly configurated bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the concave cross-section extends between an inlet portion and end portion; a feeding portion comprising:

[0170] - a feeding chamber for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity with plastic material, wherein the feeding chamber comprises a feeding outlet in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity, the feeding portion being arranged around the bicycle rim mold cavity; a channel system having a plurality of channels for receiving plastic material from the plastic material feeding mechanism and distributing the plastic material in the feeding chamber; and wherein the plastic material feeding mechanism is configured to: supply plastic material to the channel system in such a way that plastic material flows from the inlet portion to the end portion.

[0171] Clause 36. The system according to clause 34, wherein the plastic material feeding mechanism is configured to: supply a first amount of plastic material to the channel system at a first pressure; and supply a second amount of plastic material to the channel system at a second pressure when a predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material is built-up in the feeding chamber to force the predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic to flow towards the end portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity.

[0172] Clause 37. A method for forming an injection molded bicycle rim from a plastic material, comprising: providing an injection molding system according to any of clauses 35 - 36; supplying a plastic material to the channel system to flow towards the end portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity.

[0173] Clause 38. The method according to clause 37, comprising: supplying a first amount of plastic material to the channel system at a first pressure; supplying a second amount of plastic material to the channel system at a second pressure when a predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material is built- up in the feeding chamber to force the predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic to flow towards the end portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for forming an injected bicycle rim, comprising: providing a bicycle rim mold cavity comprising an annular configuration, wherein the bicycle rim mold cavity comprises a concave cross-section spanning along the annularly configurated bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the concave cross-section extends between an inlet portion and an end portion; providing a feeding chamber for feeding the bicycle rim mold cavity with fiber- reinforced plastic material, wherein the feeding chamber comprises a feeding outlet in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity, wherein the feeding outlet spans a feeding outlet length; wherein the inlet portion length corresponds to the feeding outlet length; injecting fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber; supplying the fiber-reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber, in such a way that the plastic material flows from the inlet portion to the end portion; obtaining an intermediate injected product from the fiber- re info reed plastic material, wherein the intermediate injected product comprises a mold cavity product portion formed at the bicycle rim mold cavity and a feeding chamber product portion formed at the feeding chamber; removing the feeding chamber product portion of the intermediate injected product to obtain the bicycle rim.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein removing the feeding chamber product portion comprises cutting or separating the mold cavity product portion from the feeding chamber product portion.

3. The method according to any of claims 1 — 2, wherein obtaining an intermediate injected product comprises hardening the fiber-reinforced plastic material.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein obtaining an intermediate injected product comprises opening a mold assembly.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the fiber- re info reed plastic material is uniformly distributed in the feeding chamber.

6. The method according to any of claims 1 - 5, wherein:injecting fiber- re info reed plastic material to the feeding chamber comprises injecting a first amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber at a first pressure; and supplying the fiber-reinforced plastic material to the bicycle rim mold cavity from the feeding chamber comprises injecting a second amount of fiber-reinforced plastic material to the feeding chamber at a second pressure when a predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material is built-up in the feeding chamber to force the predetermined portion of the first amount of plastic material to flow towards the end portion of the bicycle rim mold cavity.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein injecting a second amount of plastic material comprises introducing plastic material into the feeding chamber to push the plastic material out of the feeding chamber towards the end portion.

8. The method according to any of claims 6 - 7, wherein the second amount of plastic material is supplied at the second pressure when the feeding chamber is full.

9. The method according to any of claims 6 - 8, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

10. The method according to any of claims 6 - 9, wherein the first amount is lower than the second amount.

11. The method according to any of claims 6 - 10, wherein injecting a second amount of plastic material comprises providing the bicycle rim mold cavity with an insert.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the insert comprises a pre-formed member and / or a tape.

13. A method for forming a rim assembly, comprising: forming a bicycle rim by the method according to any of the claims 1 - 12; recovering solidified plastic material wasted during the forming of the bicycle rim; forming at least a portion of an annular cover using the recovered plastic material, wherein the annular cover is configured to cover an opening of the concave crosssection of the annular body of the bicycle rim; attaching the annular cover to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein forming at least a portion of the annular cover comprises injecting recovered plastic material.

15. The method according to any of claims 13 - 14, comprising: mixing the recovered solidified plastic material from the feeding chamber with raw plastic material.

16. A bicycle rim formed by the method according to any of claims 1 - 12.

17. A rim assembly formed by the method according to any of claims 13 - 15.

18. A plastic injected molded bicycle rim comprising: an annular body having a concave cross-section spanning along the annular body, wherein the cross-section comprises: a first side having a first end, a second side having a second end; and a connecting portion connecting the first side to the second side, so that the cross-section extends from the first end to the second end; wherein the annular body comprises a plurality of reinforcing fibers aligned with a direction defined from the first end to the second end of the cross-section.

19. The bicycle rim according to claim 18, wherein the annular body has a U-shaped cross-section.

20. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 19, wherein the first side and the second side are substantially parallel to each other.

21. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 20, wherein the connecting portion is substantially perpendicular to the first side and the second side.

22. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 21 , wherein the cross-section defines an opening facing an outside the annular body.

23. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 22, wherein each of the first side and the second side comprise a recess to receive a rim cover, wherein both recesses are arranged facing each other.

24. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 23, wherein the connecting portion comprises a plurality of holes to receive wheel spokes.

25. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 24, comprising an integrally-made annular body.

26. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 25, wherein the fiber reinforced plastic material comprises carbon fibers.

27. The bicycle rim according to any of claims 18 - 26, comprising an insert.

28. The bicycle rim according to claim 27, wherein the insert comprises a pre-formed member and / or a tape.

29. A rim assembly comprising: a bicycle rim according to any of the claims 18 - 28; an annular cover attached to the concave cross-section of the annular body of the bicycle rim.

30. The rim assembly according to claim 29, wherein the bicycle rim and the annular cover are made from different plastic materials.

31. The rim assembly according to any of claims 29 - 30, wherein the annular cover comprises random or misaligned reinforcing fibers.

32. The rim assembly according to any of claims 29 - 31 , wherein the annular cover comprises recycled and / or recovered material.

33. The rim assembly according to any of claims 29 - 32, wherein each of the first side and the second side comprise a recess to receive the rim cover, wherein both recesses are arranged facing each other.

34. The rim assembly according to any of claims 29 - 33, wherein the annular cover is configured to close an opening of the concave cross-section.

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